Winter is coming, so let's start planning! The 10th annual Midwest Meet will be held February 15 - 17 at the one of a kind Mount Bohemia, MI (in the Upper Peninsula).
Bohemia is known for epic snow fall and untouched powder. Recent years have seen 351 inches!
Check how much fun we had last year
Mount Bohemia's Website: http://mtbohemia.com/
"Mount Bohemia has the longest runs with the highest vertical and deepest powder in the Midwest. Bohemia is all-natural, and has no problem without snow guns. The average snowfall in the Keweenaw is 273 inches. The lake effect snow is dry similar to western resorts and accumulates as powder which is untouched because we do not groom. Bohemia's two new sections; the Outer limits has 100+ acres of inbounds backcountry skiing with 17 new runs even longer and trickier than before."
When?
Given the weather on our traditional weekend, we've decided to bump our Bohemia visit back a little bit. This year, we'll be riding Friday, February 15 - Sunday, February 17.
Group Lodging
Historic house in Calumet
We've booked the historic house in Calumet. It certainly isn't a luxury establishment, but it's a fun way to spend time together as a group and a great way to keep prices down. Here's a little tour. The listing says it sleeps 12, but that's a bit of a stretch. Without sharing beds, we could comfortably fit 6 or 7 on beds and couches. Our total cost to stay Thursday night through Sunday morning is $616.02 including all fees and taxes. The nightly cost of $205.34 will be split between whoever is staying each night, so if you’re not showing up until Friday, you won’t have to cover lodging costs Thursday.
Other lodging
In recent years we've stayed at the AmiericInn in Calumet. This is the most expensive, but most comfortable option overall. The hotel has been remodeled and it seems their prices have increased a little as well.
Lift Tickets
Every year Bohemia has a $99 season pass sale. This year the pass sale will run November 21 through December 1. Most of us take advantage of this, which works out to be a great deal for riding three days. Several of us have also made a second trip back later in the season. Another option is to purchase lift tickets each day for around $50. If you decide to buy lift tickets on site each day, keep in mind that Bohemia has a credit/debit card only policy (no cash). If you bought a multiyear pass, check out those details in advance so you can be prepared.
Schedule
Here's what our typical schedule looks like. We're open to any suggestions!
Thursday Evening
- Early arrivals (people who want to ride right away Friday AM)
Friday
- Arrive at Bohemia
- Ride
- Head back to lodging (30 minute drive to Calumet)
- Dinner in Calumet
Saturday
- Drive to Bohemia
- Ride all day
- Head back to lodging
- Dinner in Houghton
- Back to Calumet
Sunday
- Pack up, check out of lodging
- Ride until you can't anymore
- Depart
Carpools
Minneapolis, MN area: Courtney - Room for 3 people, can pick up from Minneapolis airport (MSP) Thursday. Plan to arrive drive up to Calumet Thursday evening. Can drop off at the airport Monday morning.
Carpoolees: Tyler
Green Bay, WI area: Andrew - Room for a few people, can pick up from Milwaukee airport. Plan to arrive Thursday.
Carpoolees: Tim
Who else is driving? Let us know and I'll add you here!
Feel free to contact Courtney or adeehr directly for more information.
Who's coming?
We'd like to get a list going of "definitelys" and "maybes". Please post and let us know where you belong and we'll add you to the list. Bonus points for making the definitely list before December... but only if you definitely show up!
Definitely!
Courtney
Andrew (adeehr)
Tim (CrazyBoy-1)
jackschmid & the Snail Bois
Tyler (Tphelps927)
Sam (MoltenCore)
Old Tyler
Local George (g.dub)
If you're hoping to make it let us know and we'll put you on the list!
While you contemplate, check out the great times we've had over the years: Midwest Meet Playlist
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Bohemia's website says "experts only" - should I consider coming?
A: Yes! As long as you're comfortable riding in trees and quickly turning both directions, you'll be fine at Mount Bohemia. The mountain is 100% natural, so some experience in powder riding / variable conditions is a plus, but not required. Regardless of your riding level, no one will be left behind.
Q: Do I need to wear a helmet?
A: A helmet is highly recommended. Riding in trees makes for variable conditions and we don't want anyone to sustain any serious injuries.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Here's a helpful list.
Things you need to bring to Bohemia (or you’re gonna have a bad time)
General:
- A credit / debit card (cash is not accepted at Bohemia)
- Printed confirmation of buying your season pass (just in case you're not on their list, because that happens)
- An ID to prove who you are
- Printed directions to get to Bohemia (your GPS is probably going to bring you someplace other than Mount Bohemia)
- Health insurance cards (not a bad idea to carry these on you while riding, just in case)
Riding:
- Skiboards (bring an extra set if possible)
- Bindings
- Boots
- Leashes
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Jacket
- Snow pants
- Layers (the more the better)
- Gloves / mittens
- Ski socks
- Something to cover your face
Things you might want to bring to Bohemia (but probably wouldn’t die without)
- Hand warmers / foot warmers if you get cold when it's cold (sometimes these are hard to find in Houghton, depending on how cold it has been)
- Camera, GoPro, etc
- Chargers for your devices
- Food, beverages, snacks (Bohemia's food isn't great or cheap)
- Extra outerwear in case you get really wet or something
- Wax, iron, etc (I'll bring mine, usually a few other people do too)
Pro Tips:
- Don't go in the ditch (you're going to be in the middle of nowhere)
- Don't lose your wallet or car keys (this has happened)
- Wax your boards before the trip
- While cellphone coverage has been improving in the area, signals tend to not be great, so be prepared for that
- If you'd like a copy of footage shot from various cameras, bring an external hard drive (ideally something Mac or FAT32 formatted)
- The internet in the general area sucks at best
If you can't make it to the first meet check back in the spring. We typically make another trip out in March. Here's a video from the spring:
Bohemia is known for epic snow fall and untouched powder. Recent years have seen 351 inches!
Check how much fun we had last year
Mount Bohemia's Website: http://mtbohemia.com/
"Mount Bohemia has the longest runs with the highest vertical and deepest powder in the Midwest. Bohemia is all-natural, and has no problem without snow guns. The average snowfall in the Keweenaw is 273 inches. The lake effect snow is dry similar to western resorts and accumulates as powder which is untouched because we do not groom. Bohemia's two new sections; the Outer limits has 100+ acres of inbounds backcountry skiing with 17 new runs even longer and trickier than before."
When?
Given the weather on our traditional weekend, we've decided to bump our Bohemia visit back a little bit. This year, we'll be riding Friday, February 15 - Sunday, February 17.
Group Lodging
Historic house in Calumet
We've booked the historic house in Calumet. It certainly isn't a luxury establishment, but it's a fun way to spend time together as a group and a great way to keep prices down. Here's a little tour. The listing says it sleeps 12, but that's a bit of a stretch. Without sharing beds, we could comfortably fit 6 or 7 on beds and couches. Our total cost to stay Thursday night through Sunday morning is $616.02 including all fees and taxes. The nightly cost of $205.34 will be split between whoever is staying each night, so if you’re not showing up until Friday, you won’t have to cover lodging costs Thursday.
Other lodging
In recent years we've stayed at the AmiericInn in Calumet. This is the most expensive, but most comfortable option overall. The hotel has been remodeled and it seems their prices have increased a little as well.
Lift Tickets
Every year Bohemia has a $99 season pass sale. This year the pass sale will run November 21 through December 1. Most of us take advantage of this, which works out to be a great deal for riding three days. Several of us have also made a second trip back later in the season. Another option is to purchase lift tickets each day for around $50. If you decide to buy lift tickets on site each day, keep in mind that Bohemia has a credit/debit card only policy (no cash). If you bought a multiyear pass, check out those details in advance so you can be prepared.
Schedule
Here's what our typical schedule looks like. We're open to any suggestions!
Thursday Evening
- Early arrivals (people who want to ride right away Friday AM)
Friday
- Arrive at Bohemia
- Ride
- Head back to lodging (30 minute drive to Calumet)
- Dinner in Calumet
Saturday
- Drive to Bohemia
- Ride all day
- Head back to lodging
- Dinner in Houghton
- Back to Calumet
Sunday
- Pack up, check out of lodging
- Ride until you can't anymore
- Depart
Carpools
Minneapolis, MN area: Courtney - Room for 3 people, can pick up from Minneapolis airport (MSP) Thursday. Plan to arrive drive up to Calumet Thursday evening. Can drop off at the airport Monday morning.
Carpoolees: Tyler
Green Bay, WI area: Andrew - Room for a few people, can pick up from Milwaukee airport. Plan to arrive Thursday.
Carpoolees: Tim
Who else is driving? Let us know and I'll add you here!
Feel free to contact Courtney or adeehr directly for more information.
Who's coming?
We'd like to get a list going of "definitelys" and "maybes". Please post and let us know where you belong and we'll add you to the list. Bonus points for making the definitely list before December... but only if you definitely show up!
Definitely!
Courtney
Andrew (adeehr)
Tim (CrazyBoy-1)
jackschmid & the Snail Bois
Tyler (Tphelps927)
Sam (MoltenCore)
Old Tyler
Local George (g.dub)
If you're hoping to make it let us know and we'll put you on the list!
While you contemplate, check out the great times we've had over the years: Midwest Meet Playlist
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Bohemia's website says "experts only" - should I consider coming?
A: Yes! As long as you're comfortable riding in trees and quickly turning both directions, you'll be fine at Mount Bohemia. The mountain is 100% natural, so some experience in powder riding / variable conditions is a plus, but not required. Regardless of your riding level, no one will be left behind.
Q: Do I need to wear a helmet?
A: A helmet is highly recommended. Riding in trees makes for variable conditions and we don't want anyone to sustain any serious injuries.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Here's a helpful list.
Things you need to bring to Bohemia (or you’re gonna have a bad time)
General:
- A credit / debit card (cash is not accepted at Bohemia)
- Printed confirmation of buying your season pass (just in case you're not on their list, because that happens)
- An ID to prove who you are
- Printed directions to get to Bohemia (your GPS is probably going to bring you someplace other than Mount Bohemia)
- Health insurance cards (not a bad idea to carry these on you while riding, just in case)
Riding:
- Skiboards (bring an extra set if possible)
- Bindings
- Boots
- Leashes
- Helmet
- Goggles
- Jacket
- Snow pants
- Layers (the more the better)
- Gloves / mittens
- Ski socks
- Something to cover your face
Things you might want to bring to Bohemia (but probably wouldn’t die without)
- Hand warmers / foot warmers if you get cold when it's cold (sometimes these are hard to find in Houghton, depending on how cold it has been)
- Camera, GoPro, etc
- Chargers for your devices
- Food, beverages, snacks (Bohemia's food isn't great or cheap)
- Extra outerwear in case you get really wet or something
- Wax, iron, etc (I'll bring mine, usually a few other people do too)
Pro Tips:
- Don't go in the ditch (you're going to be in the middle of nowhere)
- Don't lose your wallet or car keys (this has happened)
- Wax your boards before the trip
- While cellphone coverage has been improving in the area, signals tend to not be great, so be prepared for that
- If you'd like a copy of footage shot from various cameras, bring an external hard drive (ideally something Mac or FAT32 formatted)
- The internet in the general area sucks at best
If you can't make it to the first meet check back in the spring. We typically make another trip out in March. Here's a video from the spring:
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